Finding My way

I find it both unbelievable and exasperating to hear some people’s complaining. It drives me absolutely out of my mind when I hear someone say something like this: “Well, UT’s pretty nice, and classes are ok, but there’s nothing to do on the weekends.” I am usually very patient and tranquil, but statements like these nearly send me into a firey rage. Take a look around! What more could you want in the way of things to do on the weekends? Let’s just name a few.

Like sports? You’re in luck. From intramurals, which take place all year long and are hosted in the Student Rec Center , to varsity athletics, UT is buzzing with adrenaline-pumping, high-energy sports action. Playing intramural sports is fun and free! All you have to do is grab a group of friends and sign up for any of the leagues on http://www.imleagues.com. There’s everything from basketball to badminton, with a season in the fall and spring and two seasons in the winter! If you just love spectating, Rocket varsity athletic events are perfect for you. ALL EVENTS ARE FREE!! That means zero dollars coming out of your pocket! Just bring your Rocketcard and cheer on the teams.

Maybe the arts are a little more interesting to you. Luckily, UT is located just minutes from the Toledo Museum of Art, which has a multitude of wonderful pieces, along with concerts almost every Friday night. No car? No problem! UT’s bussing system runs to the art museum as well–again at no cost to you. Also located close to the art museum is the Toledo Glass Pavilion, which has pieces of glass art. Toledo is known as the Glass City, after all. Oh, and did I mention admission to the art museum is free?

Maybe you want to find some entertainment while staying on campus. If that is the case, I have a word of advice for you: keep your eyes open! There are fliers all over this campus advertising the latest events. For example, this Thursday another edition of UT Unplugged will be hosted in Rocky’s Lounge in the Student Union. The event starts at 6 and features UT students performing acoustic music. Plus, there is free coffee served for all who attend! There are comedians, music artists, and lecturers of all sorts around campus just about all the time. Another example: last Thursday night, some friends and I went to the newly rennovated Memorial Field House to hear a lecture from Baba Brinkman, who adapted three stories from Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales into a rap. He told the crowd about how the Tales relate to rap music today. It was entertaining and educational.

Whew! That was long-winded. But, as you can see, the thought that there is nothing to do at the University of Toledo is false. Want to hear about other things to do on the weekends? Take a look around the UT website and the calendars on there. E-mail me if you’re looking for something to do if you have any questions. I would be more than happy to show you fun things to do on campus.

Contact me at stephanie.gurgol@utoledo.edu if you have any questions. Go Rockets!

I decided it was appropriate in my circumstances to take the Beatles’ lyrics one step further. Let’s face it: lately, I cannot possibly imagine what I would do without my great group of friends. I have found so much truth in the idea that sometimes, friends are so close to you they more or less become family.

Those of you reading may be able to identify but might still be scratching your heads wondering why I’m rambling about how amazing my friends are. Just days before my birthday, I experienced the end of a very close and stable relationship. I felt the ground slip out from underneath me. My confidence shattered, and I found little reason to drag myself out of bed in the morning. Then I would roll over, finding my phone next to my bed, and see a text message waiting for me. I found messages along the lines of, “You’re an amazing person. Don’t forget that. I love you girl!” These small gestures helped me make it through each day. Through the end of one relationship, others strengthened. It is unbelievable how lucky I have been. One of my closest friends lives on the floor above me here in the Academic House. Any time I felt sad or needed company, all I needed to do was run up a floor and spend time in her room. She listened to my griping and complaining, offered sensible and mature advice any time I needed it, and even let me sleep in her room (with her roommate’s permission–thanks Leah) several times. If I did not live in a residence hall on campus, I would not have these kinds of resources, namely being surrounded by some of the best friends on the face of this planet.

I want to use this venue to recognize and thank every single person who has helped me during this time. The list of names is lengthy (and possibly unending). I want everyone to know how wonderful the people I have been privaleged to meet here at UT have changed my life in so many positive ways. So to all of you who took time out of your day to stop and help a friend in need, thank you. Without you, my days would be filled with drudgery, but with you, I find reasons to keep my head held high and live with gusto and enthusiasm. To risk sounding mushy, I love all of you.

On another note… Who went to Songfest on Saturday? It was incredible!

Here’s a photo from Songfest. These are just a few of the people in my life who keep me smiling: Heather, Kaylee, and Brian, who loves making crazy faces. They always have me lauging!

What a weekend! Sunday night brought a very tired and exhausted Stephanie. I must say though, it was totally worth it. This past weekend, The University of Toledo’s Resident Student Association hosted little sibs of all ages. Campus was packed with kids ranging in ages from 2 all the way to 17. My pseudo-lil sib (in other words, my cousin) Kasey came up to UT to spend some quality time with her favorite–and only–girl cousin. She got to experience a few days in the life of a college student… plus some extra fun activities.

When she arrived in my  residence hall, Kasey looked a little skeptical. A few minutes passed, and she was basically pushing my aunt and uncle out the door! We had so much fun. There were circus themed activities every day to coincide with the “Rockets Under the Big Top” theme. Saturday afternoon, the Health Education Building’s gym was completely transformed into a carnival. There were all kinds of games, prizes, and food all over the place. Kasey even won a goldfish, of which my aunt now periodically sends me pictures. 5 days and Swimmy is still going strong!

Sunday, my family came to UT to pick up Kasey and celebrate my birthday. Over dinner at Outback (delicious), Kasey told us, “Next year, they should make it Lil Sibs WEEK. Or Lil Sibs 2 Weeks. Or Lil Sibs MONTH! Or…” I think you get the picture. She didn’t want to leave because she had so much fun being a UT student for the weekend. Major props to RSA for making this such a spectacular weekend for all the little sibs who joined us.  My cousin can’t wait to come back next year!